Grounds Maintenance Technician

Port of Anacortes • Anacortes, WA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

At the Port of Anacortes, our grounds are part of the experience. They welcome marina guests, support local businesses, frame public spaces, and help keep our marine terminal, airport, and commercial properties safe and inviting. We're looking for a skilled commercial landscaping professional who notices the details, takes pride in doing the job right, and knows what it takes to maintain large, diverse properties year-round. This is more than mowing lawns. You'll manage turf and plant health, troubleshoot irrigation systems, operate commercial equipment, identify needed improvements, and help ensure every Port property reflects the high standard our community, tenants, and visitors expect. Your work will be visible across the Port-from the marina and marine terminal to the airport and leased properties. You'll help protect Port assets, improve safety, support healthy and attractive landscapes, and create a positive experience from the moment someone arrives. You'll also help guide seasonal employees and identify smarter, more efficient ways to care for our properties.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED and at least three years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to pass an annual respirator fit test.
• Ability to obtain a Washington State Pesticide Applicator's License (Public Operator) within one year of hire.
• Ability to safely perform the essential physical functions of the position, including walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, and working outdoors for extended periods.
• Ability to work near water, on uneven surfaces, and around active operations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally, 30 pounds frequently, and 10 pounds continuously.
• Pride in craftsmanship, initiative and follow-through, and safety-minded adaptability.
• Genuine pride in creating clean, safe, and attractive spaces.
• Ability to notice the details and follow through without needing constant direction.
• Understanding that safety always comes before speed or convenience.
• Ability to organize changing priorities and keep work moving across multiple locations.
• Ability to use equipment responsibly and follow manufacturer instructions and safety requirements.
• Clear communication skills and ability to work well with coworkers, tenants, visitors, and outside partners.
• Comfortable working outdoors and performing physically demanding work in changing Northwest Washington weather.
• Practical, team-focused attitude to the work.
• Experience with commercial landscaping or grounds maintenance.
• Experience with turf, ornamental plants, trees, shrubs, and seasonal landscape care.
• Experience with irrigation troubleshooting and repair.
• Experience with commercial landscaping tools, vehicles, and heavy equipment.
• Experience with fertilizers, pesticides, and vegetation-management practices.
• Experience planning and prioritizing work across multiple properties.
• Experience identifying problems and taking initiative before they become larger issues.
• Experience working safely around vehicles, equipment, water, uneven terrain, and the public.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of the unique grounds-maintenance and appearance standards of our marina, airport, marine terminal, and commercial properties.
• Experience working safely around active operations and public spaces.
• Familiarity with the Port's safety program, maintenance management system, irrigation infrastructure, seasonal priorities, and environmental responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day appearance, health, and safety of landscapes across Port properties.
• Manage turf and plant health.
• Troubleshoot irrigation systems.
• Operate commercial equipment.
• Identify needed improvements.
• Ensure every Port property reflects the high standard our community, tenants, and visitors expect.
• Balance planned seasonal work with the issues discovered along the way, using judgment to decide what needs attention and how best to address it.
• Walk several properties, spotting a broken sprinkler, struggling plant, overgrown area, or safety concern, and adjusting priorities accordingly.
• Spend the morning mowing, edging, or aerating turf before troubleshooting an irrigation controller and adjusting watering schedules.
• Prune ornamental plantings, improve soil, apply fertilizer or pesticides, and manage vegetation near buildings, fence lines, security areas, or stormwater-sensitive zones.
• Safely operate equipment such as zero-turn mowers, tractors, skid steers, boom lifts, wood chippers, and pressure washers.
• Diagnose why a landscaped area isn't thriving, recommend a practical solution, and document the work in the Port's maintenance management system.
• Guide seasonal employees, coordinate around Port operations, and provide helpful service to tenants, visitors, employees, and members of the public.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage, with family coverage available for under $10/month.
• Significant Health Savings Account contribution, if enrolled in an eligible plan.
• Washington State PERS retirement.
• Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, personal leave, and compensatory time off.
• $75/month exercise and wellness benefit.
• Employee assistance program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Supportive work environment with a focus on public service, accountability, and work-life balance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED